{"id":58620,"date":"2015-07-01T11:42:02","date_gmt":"2015-07-01T11:42:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=1c277995041446ad96739e87cbcc2b65"},"modified":"2015-07-01T11:42:02","modified_gmt":"2015-07-01T11:42:02","slug":"statement-to-parliament-airports-commission-final-report-oral-statement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=58620","title":{"rendered":"Statement to Parliament: Airports Commission final report: oral statement"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

With permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to make a statement about the Airports Commission\u2019s final report<\/a>, published earlier today (1 July 2015). <\/p>\n

I received a copy yesterday evening and I have had copies put in the library of the House and the Vote Office.<\/p>\n

First, I will review the Commission\u2019s process to date.<\/p>\n

Second, I will describe the next steps.<\/p>\n

In September 2012 the government appointed Sir Howard Davies to lead a Commission to consider how the UK could maintain its status as an international aviation hub. <\/p>\n

And in particular provide capacity in the south east.<\/p>\n

I thank Sir Howard for his leadership. <\/p>\n

I thank his fellow Commissioners \u2013 Sir John Armitt, Ricky Burdett, Vivienne Cox and Dame Julia King \u2013 for their hard work.<\/p>\n

I also acknowledge hon members from all sides of the House who have campaigned vigorously on behalf of their constituents.<\/p>\n

I am sure they will continue to do this. <\/p>\n

There are strong opinions on this issue. <\/p>\n

It is not easy to resolve. <\/p>\n

For the government, the task is to balance local interests against the wider, longer term benefits for the UK. <\/p>\n

This report is part of that process. <\/p>\n

Over 50 different propositions were considered.<\/p>\n

In December 2013 the Commission shortlisted 3 schemes for further consideration.<\/p>\n

Two at Heathrow, 1 at Gatwick. <\/p>\n

It also made recommendations for improving our existing airport infrastructure, including upgrading transport connections. <\/p>\n

We are acting on these interim recommendations.<\/p>\n

We are working with Gatwick airport to upgrade the station there. <\/p>\n

Network Rail is leading a study to improve the rail link between London and Stansted. <\/p>\n

And Crossrail will soon provide a new direct route to Heathrow. <\/p>\n

The Commission has also sought views from across the country.<\/p>\n

Because the UK\u2019s other airports play a big role in our aviation success story.<\/p>\n

Airports such as Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow. <\/p>\n

And connectivity to all parts of the UK is something the Commission has rightly considered.<\/p>\n

The UK has the third-largest aviation network in the world after the US and China. <\/p>\n

But it is congested.<\/p>\n

And a lack of capacity holds our country back.<\/p>\n

Since 1990 12 UK airports have lost their direct links to Heathrow.<\/p>\n

As Sir Howard Davies says in his foreword to the report: <\/p>\n

\n

Good aviation connectivity is vital for the UK economy. It promotes trade and inward investment.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

As the report points out:<\/p>\n

\n

About half of the British population travelled by air over the past 12 months.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

It also says that:<\/p>\n

\n

While London remains a well-connected city its airports are showing unambiguous signs of strain.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Meanwhile hub airports such as Dubai and Istanbul are growing fast. <\/p>\n

Mr Speaker, the Commission found that all 3 shortlisted schemes are credible options for expansion.<\/p>\n

But that the Heathrow Airport northwest runway scheme offers the strongest solution.<\/p>\n

To quote the report:<\/p>\n

\n

Heathrow offers a stronger solution to the UK\u2019s aviation capacity and connectivity needs than a second runway at Gatwick\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The report recommends action to address the impact of any expansion on the local environment and communities. <\/p>\n

Among them:<\/p>\n